Searching for a Hardtop Convertible

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Old 04-06-2008, 09:08 AM
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Searching for a Hardtop Convertible

Peoples...

My wife's birthday is coming up in July and I would like to purchase a hardtop convertible for her.

My goal is to pick up a used car in the 2006 to 2007 model year range. Of course that leaves my options limted to the following:

Volkswagen Eos: Automatic, VR6
Volvo C70: Automatic, Turbo 4 banger

Since I need to find a car that can accomodate my 4 yr old daughter as well.

I know there are sites where I can read reviews, but I was hoping a fellow member may have some current experience with the cars mentioned above.

Your input is greatly appreciated...
Old 04-06-2008, 09:38 AM
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Old 04-06-2008, 09:39 AM
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Of the two, the Volvo is the clear winner, though I think its way over priced for what it is.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:44 AM
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These aren't exactly in your price range, but there one of the only hardtop convertibles that look good with the top up. It doesn't distort the shape of the car. I can tell with the BMW for it does for sure....haven't really paid much attention to the others...but as far as your case, I would probably go with the volvo.

Old 04-06-2008, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by surf4fun0418
These aren't exactly in your price range, but there one of the only hardtop convertibles that look good with the top up. It doesn't distort the shape of the car. I can tell with the BMW for it does for sure....haven't really paid much attention to the others...but as far as your case, I would probably go with the volvo.

I don't know if you can fit a carseat in the back of that.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:46 AM
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Volvo would be my choice.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:47 AM
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Thanks for the replies...

I have checked out the VW and it's a decent car.

I will head over and check out a Volvo.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:49 AM
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volvo hands down, and im pretty sure its a turbo 5 cylinder. if that makes any diff.

go look at them in person. they have a silverish blue color that looks really nice.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:53 AM
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volvo, but my choice would be e92 335ci
Old 04-06-2008, 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by LotusTracker
volvo, but my choice would be e92 335ci
I am purchasing a used car to the price range is below 35K asking price.

I was trying to locate a 2007 328I hardtop convertible, but I can not locate a used car in my range in my area.
Old 04-06-2008, 10:31 AM
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i think the volvo is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. do it.
Old 04-06-2008, 11:07 AM
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the volvo. I love how that car looks when the top is up, you cant tell its a convert. My brother has a s60r and that thing rips. same engine too just detuned. i think he has like 85-90k on it with no major probs. best choice for the money!!!
Old 04-06-2008, 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Paclark01
I am purchasing a used car to the price range is below 35K asking price.

I was trying to locate a 2007 328I hardtop convertible, but I can not locate a used car in my range in my area.
Not sure if this would help, but I'll go ahead anyways.. Did you look into Lexus SC430? Not sure if you are ONLY looking for 06-07 year model but you can easily pick up 03-04 with less than 50k miles for your price range.

I dunno about you but buying a SC was the best decision I ever made.
Old 04-06-2008, 06:47 PM
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E46 M3 vert with SMG? (oops not a hardtop)

Otherwise yea, the Volvo or VW is a good choice.
Old 04-06-2008, 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by baboya96
Not sure if this would help, but I'll go ahead anyways.. Did you look into Lexus SC430? Not sure if you are ONLY looking for 06-07 year model but you can easily pick up 03-04 with less than 50k miles for your price range.
I was gonna suggest the same thing. The rear seats may be just big enough for a car seat, but once they get into booster-seat age, they may not fit.

And +1 to zeroday's comment about the volvo.
Old 04-06-2008, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by baboya96
Not sure if this would help, but I'll go ahead anyways.. Did you look into Lexus SC430? Not sure if you are ONLY looking for 06-07 year model but you can easily pick up 03-04 with less than 50k miles for your price range.

I dunno about you but buying a SC was the best decision I ever made.
An SC430 is too small for a car seat in the back.
Old 04-06-2008, 09:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Paclark01
An SC430 is too small for a car seat in the back.
The back seats in a SC430 are too small for luggage
Old 04-07-2008, 10:55 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
The back seats in a SC430 are too small for luggage
its big enough for a full-size golf bag... believe me thats the only way for me to carry two bags and still have a passenger next to me.
Old 04-07-2008, 11:02 PM
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The folding top mechanism in the EOS shows a remarkable reliance on nylon cord looking attachments to make it all go.

It was definitely not confidence inspiring when I looked at it. Caveat Emptor.

-Mirror
Old 04-07-2008, 11:32 PM
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How much do SC430's go for now?

edit: nvm already mentioned...

hmmm....The vdub is probably your best bet..
Old 04-08-2008, 12:38 AM
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I'd go with the volvo personally, we have several volvos in our family and love them all.
Old 04-08-2008, 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by zeroday
i think the volvo is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. do it.
Old 04-08-2008, 02:06 AM
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Tough choice between the two. I'd give the nod towards the C70 on the looks of the exterior and marginally higher reliability. The EOS, however, has a more substantial look (exterior and interior).

Are you absolutely sold on a hardtop vert? There are some excellent softtops that would seem to fit your size criteria...and are IMO heads and shoulders above these two hardtops (A4 cab and E46 3er vert).
Old 04-08-2008, 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted by TheMirror
The folding top mechanism in the EOS shows a remarkable reliance on nylon cord looking attachments to make it all go.

It was definitely not confidence inspiring when I looked at it. Caveat Emptor.

-Mirror
I may be wrong, but I think this is standard issue in the vert segment. From pictures, the C70 relies upon the cords as well--they're essential in the workings of keeping the headliner in good shape.

The A4 and E46 3er (both soft-tops) rely on this similar setup as well.
Old 04-08-2008, 06:23 AM
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++++1 on the Volvo...

Go to the Volvo dealer and ask them about the factory delivery option. I believe that model is made in Goteborg, Sweden and you can go there and see it as it comes off the line. Then you can drive it with temp plates and insurance. Your dealer has all the info, and the price may surprise you (in a nice way)......

Sweden is nice in the summer. I know you said used, but look at a new one via this route or their tourist and Diplomat sales.....

Last edited by mrmako; 04-08-2008 at 06:25 AM. Reason: clarity
Old 04-08-2008, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by mrmako
++++1 on the Volvo...

Go to the Volvo dealer and ask them about the factory delivery option. I believe that model is made in Goteborg, Sweden and you can go there and see it as it comes off the line. Then you can drive it with temp plates and insurance. Your dealer has all the info, and the price may surprise you (in a nice way)......

Sweden is nice in the summer. I know you said used, but look at a new one via this route or their tourist and Diplomat sales.....
that would make an awesome b-day present!
Old 04-09-2008, 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by mrmako
++++1 on the Volvo...

Go to the Volvo dealer and ask them about the factory delivery option. I believe that model is made in Goteborg, Sweden and you can go there and see it as it comes off the line. Then you can drive it with temp plates and insurance. Your dealer has all the info, and the price may surprise you (in a nice way)......

Sweden is nice in the summer. I know you said used, but look at a new one via this route or their tourist and Diplomat sales.....
That's a great idea...

We took a look at the Volvo and she seemed to like it, but I get the impression the VW is more inspring since I think she is trying to regain that youthfull image again.

But I will definitely inquire with the dealer about European delivery on a new C70. Volvo seems to be working some deals on these cars as well.

After driving both I prefer the acceleration of the Eos over the Volvo, but keep in mind both were used 2007 models with under 10K miles on each.

Both hardtops on the cars rely on a nylon string to maintain rigidity of the headliner.
Old 04-10-2008, 12:53 PM
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i'd rock the Volvo if it was me
Old 04-10-2008, 01:13 PM
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for what it is, the EOS is so overpriced! the inside is a frankestein mix of B6 passat and Mkv jetta/rabbit/gti parts. Dont companies part share to lower prices? 30k isnt justified imho...
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